Historic First: Vodafone Engineers Make World's First Space Mobile Video Call

In a groundbreaking achievement, Vodafone engineers Rowan Chesmer made history by carrying out the world's first space mobile video call from a remote location in Wales to Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive. The video call was made possible through satellites developed to offer a full mobile broadband experience.

Astronaut Tim Peake joined Margherita at Vodafone's new space-to-land gateway in Newbury, UK, to unveil the first space to land gateway in Europe. This innovative gateway seamlessly connects satellite networks with terrestrial networks.

The successful video call marks another significant milestone for the partnership between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile. The company aims to offer the first commercial direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service in Europe from later in 2025 and 2026.

Vodafone is setting the stage for universal digital connectivity by integrating its satellite technology with existing mobile networks, allowing users to seamlessly switch between space-based and ground-based networks using their smartphones.

The groundbreaking achievement has been hailed as a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and improving rural connectivity. Vodafone plans to progressively introduce this direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service commercially across Europe later this year and during 2026.

This historic innovation comes exactly 40 years after Vodafone made the UK's very first mobile phone call, marking an exciting next chapter for telecommunication technology in Europe.